Dispenser for individually dispensing the endmost sheet of a continuous web of connected sheets

ABSTRACT

A dispenser for containing a continuous web of connected sheets joined in end to end relationship along a scored or frangible line which can be either randomly stuffed or folded in the body of the dispenser so that essentially the entire volume of the dispenser body is initially occupied with the continuous web of material. The top of the dispenser is provided with a dispensing opening through which the sheets are individually dispensed, one at a time. The opening is defined as a slit or slot associated with a resilient flap which frictionally bears on the sheets being dispensed through the opening so that the endmost sheet is automatically separated along the score line between adjacent sheets as the sheet is pulled through the opening and whereby the sheet following the endmost sheet which is separated is placed in position to be externally grasped by the user for subsequently dispensing the sheet.

Whit ted 55am Patent 11 1 Gerstein 5] Mar.5, 1974 1 nrsrnnsnn ron INDIVIDUALLY DISPENSING THE ENDMOST SHEET or A coNTmuoUs WEB or CONNECTED SHEETS [76] Inventor: David E. Gerstein, P.O. 63-33 98th PL, Forest Hills, NY. 11374 [22] Filed: Jan. 19, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 325,213

[52] U.S. Cl. 225/106, 225/32 [51] llnt. Cl 1526f 3/02 [58] Field of Search 225/32, 52, 84, 106, 93;

242/552, 55.53, 170, 171, 172; 221/26, 311; 206/56 AB, 56 AA, 56 R, 56 C, DIG. 17; 312/39 Primary Examiner--Frank T. Yost Attorney, Agent, or Firmlrving Seidman [5 7] ABSTRACT A dispenser for containing a continuous web of con nected sheets joined in end to end relationship along a scored or frangible line which can be either randomly stuffed or folded in the body of the dispenser so that essentially the entire volume of the dispenser body is initially occupied with the continuous web of material. The top of the dispenser is provided with a dispensing opening through which the sheets are individually dispensed, one at a time. The opening is defined as a slit or slot associated with a resilient flap which frictionally bears on the sheets being dispensed through the opening so that the endmost sheet is automatically [56] References Cited separated along the score line between adjacent sheets UNITED STATES PATENTS as the sheet is pulled through the opening and 1,212,068 1 1917 Jones et al. 225 32 whereby the sheet f l wing the endmost sheet which 2,806,591 9/1957 Appleton 225/106 is separated is placed in position to be externally 3,150,808 9/1964 Vensel 225/106 grasped by the user for subsequently dispensing the FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Sheet 671,799 10/1963 Canada"; 225 32 15 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures /9 u w I 166 eel,

l m j j s 1 x;\ i \I\I\I( ,1, III/11,,

' PATENTED 51974 SHEET 1 0F 2 'F/GZ PROBLEM AND PRIOR ART Containers are known for dispensing individual sheets of material, e.g. face tissues or the like. However, the containers heretofore known for dispensing individual tissues one at a time required that individual tissues be interleafed prior to being placed into the container. Such dispensers however were incapable of being utilized to dispense individual sheets; one at time, from a continuous web of connected sheets.

Dispensers utilized for dispensing sheet material from a continuous strip of connected sheets required that the continuous strip be first rolledinto a roll and thereafter positioned in a container from which the rolled sheets were subsequently dispensed by unwinding either from the outside or inside of the roll. Known dispensers of this type are evidenced by any of U.S. Pat. Nos; 3,150,808; 3,523,653; 3,472,364 and 3,539,124. However a noted deficiency of dispensers for dispensing connected sheets from a continuous roll was that the endmost sheet could not be automatically separated from the continuous roll as the endmost sheet is pulled from the dispenser opening. Generally the endmost portion of the sheet was simply manually torn from the continuous roll according to the desired length, and was not automatically severed from the next adjacent end sheet for individual dispensing of the respective sheets whereby the next adjacent sheet is positioned to be grasped for subsequent dispensing.

OBJECTS An object of this invention is to provide a container for dispensing individual sheets one at a time from a continuous web of connected sheets joined in end to end relationship along a scored or weakened line in which the endmost sheet is automatically severed from the next adjacent joined sheet.

Another object is to provide a dispenser for containing a continuous web of connected sheets which can be readily separated and which sheets are dispensed one at a time with the next adjacent sheet being positioned externally of the container whereby it can be readily grasped by the user for subsequent dispensing.

Another object is to provide a container for dispensing sheets of material, one at a time, from a continuous web of connected or joined sheets in which the joined sheets or web are randomly stuffed or folded in the container.

Another object is to provide a container for a continuous web of serially connected sheets from which the endmost sheet is automatically severed from the continuous web as it is being pulled from the dispenser.

Another object is to provide a dispenser containing a continuous web of joined sheets which can be readily separated into individual sheets as they are dispensed one at a time.

Another object is to provide a dispenser of individually dispensing impregnated sheet material serially joined in a continuous sheet, one at a time, and which container can be readily sealed when not in use to prohibit evaporation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained by a dispenser comprising a dispenser body adapted to contain a supply of a plurality of connected sheets of material joined in end to end relationship along a score or readily frangible tear line to define a continuous web; and a cover having an opening therein through which the respective sheets are individually dispensed, one at a time. The dispensing opening is defined as a slit or slot having an associated flap for frictionally bearing on the sheet material as it is being dispensed or pulled through the dispensing opening so defined. The arrangement is such that the flap exerts a force on the sheet material which exceeds the force required to separate adjacent sheets along the tear line therebetween. Thus as the endmost sheet is pulled through the dispensing opening by a user, the frictional force imparted by the flap on the next succeeding sheet causes the endmost sheet to separate from the next adjacent sheet along the tear line disposed between adjacent sheets. With the construction described the continuous web of connected sheets can be simply randomly stuffed or folded in reverse folds, in the dispenser body, and yet be individually dispensed in a manner wherein the endmost sheet is automatically severed with the next adjacent or succeeding sheet being partly exposed through the dispensing opening whereby it can be readily grasped by the user for the next dispensing operation.

FEATURES A feature of this invention resides in the provision wherein the dispensing opening is defined as a slit or slot and an associated flap which frictionally bears on the material or sheet being dispensed so as to impart on the material a frictional force greater than the force required to separate the respective sheets.

Another feature .resides in the provision wherein the sheet material can be simply stuffed into the dispenser body.

Another feature resides in the provision wherein the dispenser opening can be readily sealed to prohibit evaporation in the event impregnated sheets are to be dispensed.

Another feature resides in the provision wherein the dispenser body may assume varying shapes or sizes.

Another feature resides in the provision wherein the continuous sheet may be formed as a continuous fold of one or more folds.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specification in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser embodying the invention illustrated in a sealed or closed position.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1 illustrating the dispenser in an operative dispensing position.

FIG. 2A is a" view similar to that of FIG. 2 but illustrating a modified form of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a form of folded web material or tissue adapted to be placed in a dispenser embodying the present invention, and illustrating the easy tear line or line of weakening between adjacent tissues on sheets of a continuous web.

FIG. 4 is another form of folded sheet material adapted to be placed in a dispenser embodying the present invention and showing the tear line between adjacent sheets.

FIG. 5 illustrates another form of folded web material adapted to be utilized in a dispenser embodying the present invention FIG. 6 illustrates a modified configuration of a dispenser embodying the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates another modified dispenser embodying the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary top plan view of a dispensing opening embodied in the present invention taken along line 8-8 on FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top plan view of FIGS. 1 or 2A with the cover flap removed.

FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of a dispenser embodying the present invention illustrating the manner in which the continuous web material may be randomly stuffed therein.

DETAILED SPECIFICATION Referring to the drawings, there is shown therein a dispenser 10 for containing a continuous web W of connected sheets W1. As illustrated, each sheet W! of the continuous web W is connected into end to end relationship along a perforated or score line to define a readily frangible or easy tear line therebetween. The web material, it will be understood may comprise connected sheets of tissue paper or the like which may or may not be impregnated with a moistening liquid. Such web material W when comprised of tissue and impregnated may be used for cleansing ones hands and/or face and the like, or may be used as a polishing cloth, utility wiper or general purpose clean-up sheet.

The dispenser 10 as illustrated comprises a container or dispenser body portion 11 having an open end portion through which the continuous web of sheet material may be placed or stuffed thereinto. It will be understood that the web material W may comprise either a single ply or multiple ply material, or as illustrated in FlGs. 3, 4 and 5, having one or more folds, folded longitudinally thereof. For example as illustrated in FIG. 3 the web material W is illustrated as comprising a three-fold form in which the material is reversely folded about opposed longitudinally extending fold lines F1 and F2.

In FIG. 4 there is illustrated a folded sheet or web W which is reversely folded about a single longitudinally extending fold line F3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a web folded in a multiple of reversely folded forms along a plurality of fold lines. In each form, the continuous web W, W or W, is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced perforated or scored lines 15 to define an easy tear line. The construction is such that each sheet of the continuous web may be readily separated from the web along the easy tear line 15.

The body portion 11 of the dispenser I0 is provided with a circumscribing bead 11A adapted to frictionally receive a closure 16 for sealing the upper open end of the dispenser body 11. In the illustrated form of the invention the closure 16 is provided with a depending skirt 16A adapted to frictionally secure to the upper end of the dispenser body 11. However, it will be understood that other means may be provided for detachably securing or sealing the closure 16 to the dispenser body 11. Thus the closure 16 of the dispenser body 11 is rendered readily removable to facilitate the placing of the continuous web material W within the dispenser body. As will be hereinafter more particularly described, the web material W may be either randomly stuffed into the dispenser body 11, as seen in FIG. 10, or may be folded or pleated in an orderly manner as illustrated in FIG. 2.

In the illustrated form of the invention, e.g. in FIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, there is provided a means defining a dispensing opening 19 through which the web material W contained within the dispenser body can be readily dispensed. The dispensing opening means is formed so that the individual sheets W1 of the continuous web W can be individually dispensed, one at a time, through the dispensing opening 19 in a manner such that the endmost sheet of the web is automatically severed from the continuous web, with the next adjacent sheet being in position to be readily grasped by the user for a subsequent dispensing operation.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 8 the means defining the dispensing opening comprises a slit or slot 19 which defines an adjacent flexible flap 20 which in operation functions to exert a frictional force on the web material W extending through the slit 19. It will be understood that the slit 19 is proportioned so as to permit the web material W to be pulled therethrough in a manner so that the free end of the flap 20 will frictionally engage with the material being pulled therethrough.

As seen in FIG. 2, the closure 16 is provided with a raised portion 16B which is defined by a circumscribing bead 16C. The slot 19 is die cut or formed in the top of the raised portion 163. The flap 20 defined in the top of the raised portion 168 is formed integral therewith and is hinged at a portion opposite the slit 19. Adjacent the raised portion there is provided a recess or indentation 16D formed in the closure 16 to provide a finger hole to facilitate the removal of a cover 17 which is provided.

The cover 17 provides a seal for the dispensing opening 19 and it is arranged to be frictionally secured t.) the raised portion 168 containing the dispensing opening 19. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 the sealing cover 17 is hingedly connected to the closure 16 by means of a hinge flap 18. As best seen in FIG. 1 the cover 17 is readily secured to the raised portion 168 by frictional engagement and disengagement therewith. Thus the sealing cover 17 provides an effective sealer to prevent evaporation of the impregnating fluid with which the continuous web may be impregnated.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 it will be noted that the continuous web material W is placed in a refill inner container 12, which is adapted to be disposed into the body portion 11 of the dispenser. In this form of the invention the inner container 12 is provided with a readily removable top wall portion 13 which can be readily stripped from the container 12 when the material W is desired to be dispensed therefrom. With the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner container 12 and top 13 therefor may be formed of readily expendible material which can be disposed of upon depletion of the supply of tissue W contained therein, and replaced with a new and full container 12. In this form of the invention, the dispenser main body portion 11 and closure 16 therefor may be constructed of a material for permanent utilization, with the web material W being supplied in expendible refill type containers l2 which can be readily disposed within the main body 11 of a permanent dispenser.

FIG. 2A illustrates a modified form of the invention similar to that with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 except that the tissue or continuous web material W is disposed and retained directly within the main body portion 11 of the dispenser; in which case the entire dispenser A may be disposed of upon depletion of the web material. I

With the invention described, it will be noted that the arrangement is such that when a tissue or endmost sheet W1 is pulled from the container, the flap adjacent the slit- 19 exerts a frictional force on the material W which is greater than the force required to separate the sheet along the tear line 15. Thus, it will be noted that as the endmost sheet passes the free endjof the flap 20, the free end of theflap upon engaging'the next adjacent sheet will exert a force thereon which permits the end sheet to be automatically severed along the adjacent tear line. In this manner each sheet is automatically severed as it passes beyond the free end of the flap its the dispensing of more than one sheet on adispensing operation, thus minimizing waste.

Also the cover 17 for the dispensing opening 19 is integrally connected to the dispenser top or closure 16 by the hinge flap 18 to provide a means whereby the dispensing opening 19 can be readily sealed to prevent any evaporation of any impregnating material when the tissues are impregnated with a fluid. The described dispensing opening means 19 and 20 provide a gripping means which permits the emission of one tissue at a time, while at the same time assuring that the next ensuing tissue is in position to be readily grasped by the user for the next and subsequent dispensing operation.

FIGS. 6 and 7'illustrate other forms which the dispenser 10 may take. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a dispenser 10A in which the dispenser body 21 and closure 22 therefor are illustrated as being oval shaped. In

all'other respects the dispenser 10A is similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 2A and 8.

FIG. 7 illustrates a dispenser 108 having cylindrically shaped dispenser'body 23 and closure 24-. In this form of the invention the dispensing opening 19A is similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, but is located in a top wall 25 located beneath a closure 24. Also the closure 24 may be hingedly connected by a hinge strap 26 to the dispenser body 23. In all other respects the dispenser 10B is similar to that hereinbefore described.

With the invention described the continuous sheet material or web of connected sheets can be readily stuffed in the container or body portion of the dispenser either in accordian like folds as seen in FIG. 2, or can be randomly stuffed as seen in FIG. 10. In either event, the entire usable volume of the container or dispenser body can be utilized. Thus the arrangement is such that more sheets can be stuffed in a given Size mm tainer or the size of a given container can be reduced for a given quantity of sheets as compared to the known dispensers.

While the invention has been described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof it will be readily understood and appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A dispenser for containing a continuous web of 5 connected sheets connected in end to end relationship separated by a scored line from which the respective sheets can be readily dispensed, one at a time, comprismg:

a' container including a body adapted to contain a 10 supply of said continuous web, and

a closure for. said container, and means defining .a dispensing opening for said container through which the sheets of said web are automatically separated from said web as each sheet is pulled through said opening,

said latter means includes a slit and an associated resilient flap wherein said flap normally exerts a frictional force on said web as said web is pulled through said slit which is greater than the force necessary to separate adjacent sheets of said web.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including a readily detachable cover for sealing said dispensing opening means.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 and including 25 means for hingedly connecting said cover to said container.

4. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said flap is integrally formed on the closure of said body.

5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said 30 closure includes a raised portion,

' a sealing bead circumscribing said raised portion,

and said slit being formed insaid raised portion, said slit defining said associated flap which exerts a frictional force on the web as said web is being pulled through said slit whereby the force exerted by the flap on the web is greater than the force required to separate adjacent sheets so that the endmost sheet is automatically severed from said web.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 and including a cover fitted over said raised portion to seal said dispensing opening means, and

means hinging said cover to said closure.

7. In combination,

a dispenser,

a supply of continuous webmaterial including a plurality of sheets connected in end to end relationship along a frangible tear line disposed in said dispenser,

and means defining a dispensing opening for said dispenser through which the endmost sheets of said web are automatically severed from said continuous web as said endmost sheet is pulled through said dispensing opening,

said latter means includes a slit and an adjacent resilient flap,

said flap exerting a frictional force on said web as said web is pulled through said slit.

8. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein said web is folded at least once along a longitudinally extending fold line.

9. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein said dispenser includes:

a dispenser body porting having an open end for containing said supply of web material,

a closure for covering said open end,

and said dispensing opening means being formed integral with said closure.

7 8 10. The invention as defined in claim 9 and including and an inner container adapted to be removably disposed said resilient flap being adjacent said slit whereby a in said dispenser body portion, marginal portion of said flap defines one edge of a removable top for said inner container, said slit. and said inner container adapted to contain said sup- 13. The invention as defined in claim 12 and includply of continuous web material. ing a cover to seal said dispensing opening means. 11. The invention as defined in claim 9 and a cover 14. The invention as defined in claim 13 wherein said for said dispensing opening, web material disposed in said dispenser is impregnated and means for hingedly connecting said cover to said with a fluid so as to be rendered moist.

closure. 15. The invention as defined in claim 7 in which the 12. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said continuous web material is randomly stuffed in said disclosure includes a raised portion, penser.

and said a slit being formed in said raised portion, 

1. A dispenser for containing a continuous web of connected sheets connected in end to end relationship separated by a scored line from which the respective sheets can be readily dispensed, one at a time, comprising: a container including a body adapted to contain a supply of said continuous web, and a closure for said container, and means defining a dispensing opening for said container through which the sheets of said web are automatically separated from said web as each sheet is pulled through said opening, said latter means includes a slit and an associated resilient flap wherein said flap normally exerts a frictional force on said web as said web is pulled through said slit which is greater than the force necessary to separate adjacent sheets of said web.
 2. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including a readily detachable cover for sealing said dispensing opening means.
 3. The invention as defined in claim 2 and including means for hingedly connecting said cover to said container.
 4. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said flap is integrally formed on the closure of said body.
 5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said closure includes a raised portion, a sealing bead circumscribing said raised portion, and said slit being formed in said raised portion, said slit defining said associated flap which exerts a frictional force on the web as said web is being pulled through said slit whereby the force exerted by the flap on the web is greater than the force required to separate adjacent sheets so that the endmost sheet is automatically severed from said web.
 6. The invention as defined in claim 5 and including a cover fitted over said raised portion to seal said dispensing opening means, and means hinging said cover to said closure.
 7. In combination, a dispenser, a supply of continuous web material including a plurality of sheets connected In end to end relationship along a frangible tear line disposed in said dispenser, and means defining a dispensing opening for said dispenser through which the endmost sheets of said web are automatically severed from said continuous web as said endmost sheet is pulled through said dispensing opening, said latter means includes a slit and an adjacent resilient flap, said flap exerting a frictional force on said web as said web is pulled through said slit.
 8. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein said web is folded at least once along a longitudinally extending fold line.
 9. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein said dispenser includes: a dispenser body porting having an open end for containing said supply of web material, a closure for covering said open end, and said dispensing opening means being formed integral with said closure.
 10. The invention as defined in claim 9 and including an inner container adapted to be removably disposed in said dispenser body portion, a removable top for said inner container, and said inner container adapted to contain said supply of continuous web material.
 11. The invention as defined in claim 9 and a cover for said dispensing opening, and means for hingedly connecting said cover to said closure.
 12. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said closure includes a raised portion, and said a slit being formed in said raised portion, and said resilient flap being adjacent said slit whereby a marginal portion of said flap defines one edge of said slit.
 13. The invention as defined in claim 12 and including a cover to seal said dispensing opening means.
 14. The invention as defined in claim 13 wherein said web material disposed in said dispenser is impregnated with a fluid so as to be rendered moist.
 15. The invention as defined in claim 7 in which the continuous web material is randomly stuffed in said dispenser. 